Australian Sailing, on behalf of members of our sailing community, is saddened at the news of the tragic passing of World Sailing Vice President Line Markert in Europe overnight.

Line, her partner Andreas Christensen, and their son, died returning from a ski trip following an incident in their private plane shortly after take-off in Switzerland yesterday afternoon. 

“We would like to offer our most sincere condolences to Line’s family, friends and loved ones at this incredibly difficult time,” said Australian Sailing President, Shevaun Bruland.

Markert served as President of the Danish Sailing Association from 2017 until 2024, and a Board Member for three years prior to her appointment. She was a partner at a leading law firm in Denmark since 2011, Line was recently appointed Chair of the Board and had been mentioned in the IFLR1000 (International Financial Law Review) two years in succession, as well as the Legal 500 (EMEA).

She was also a Board Member at the Foundation Aarhus International Sailing Centre and also served as a Delegate at the Danish Mission to the UN during the Danish EU Presidency in 2002.

“Line was always a pleasure to deal with and her passing is an immeasurable loss for World Sailing and for our sport,” added Bruland, who also sits on the World Sailing Events Committee and is the Group L Councillor.

“She was an incredible person, someone who was led by her purpose and values in everything she did. Australia and Denmark were closely aligned on many issues at World Sailing, and her contribution to the growth of our sport will be sorely missed.”